I’m a firm believer that when you plan a themed trip that the hotel you stay in is everything. It really makes the experience you’re going for come to life and adds to your travel story. That’s why we stayed at the historic Peabody Hotel Memphis during our parents’ rock and roll getaway.

 

We wanted to stay somewhere that really brought us into history and offered a vintage style with modern elegance. Lucky for us, they just finished a renovation, and their new spaces are gorgeous!

 

Keep reading for more details on the Peabody Hotel Memphis renovated rooms. Special thanks to the Peabody for hosting us. That in no way shaped my opinions in this post. 

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation

 

The Historic Peabody Hotel Memphis — Room Renovations & Legendary Ducks 

 

Where You Will Feel Like Rock N Roll Royalty

 

The Peabody Hotel Memphis is legendary. Originally built in 1869 on the corner of Main & Monroe, it was the social and business hub of Memphis. In 1925 a newer, and even more lavish Peabody was built at its present location at Union & 2nd Street where it continues its legacy as the “South’s Grand Hotel.”

 

Needless to say, it has seen its share of Rock n Roll royalty for decades. In fact, it is the place where Elvis Presley had his prom and even signed his major record label with RCA.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
Elvis’s record contract can be found in the lobby museum.

 

When we first stepped into the Peabody hotel it was like walking back in time.  The regal and elegant lobby immediately commanded our attention. In the center, a beautiful marble fountain topped with Fresh flowers guarded the infamous Peabody Ducks as they waded in its water.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation, ducks
The Duckmaster gets serious with the red carpet!

 

The Legendary Peabody Ducks

 

If you’re gonna do something funny when you’re drunk you may as well make sure it becomes a legendary 80+ year tradition.

 

In the 1930s following a hunting trip, Frank Schutt, General Manager of The Peabody, and a friend, Chip Barwick, thought it would be funny to place some of their live duck decoys in the extravagant Peabody fountain. And believe it or not, everyone went wild over it.

 

Gotta give the people what they want right? From there, an official ceremony was enacted and nearly 90 years after the inaugural march, the ducks still visit the lobby fountain at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day in a full-on “roll out the red carpet” ceremony complete with Duckmaster.

 

The Peabody name has become synonymous with the 5 North American mallard ducks who are the living symbol of the Peabody brand all because of that good ol’ Tennessee Whiskey.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation, ducks
The legendary Peabody Ducks!

 

Checking Into the Peabody

 

The staff was exceptionally courteous and delighted to help us in every way as we checked into our newly renovated King Suite. We were eager to see what our digs would be like for the next three nights, so we quickly made our way to the elevator. At first glance, I was immediately thrown back at the decadence of this place. 

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
Just look at this lobby!

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
The lobby museum where you can learn all about the Rock n Roll history associated with the Peabody Hotel Memphis and the hotel’s history.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
The fountain in the lobby where the ducks hang out.

 

Our Renovated Room at the Peabody Hotel Memphis

 

Walking into a hotel room for the first time is always so exciting for me. I’ve always been really passionate about the hotel Industry. It’s not uncommon for me to walk into hotels just to look inside.

 

When I walked into our newly renovated king suite the first thing I noticed was how big our room was.  Complete with king-size bed, sofa, armchair, coffee table, side tables, a dresser, a giant flat-screen TV, a desk, and even a walk-in closet.

 

The design gave a very elegant and modern twist to an Art Deco space with a color palette of green, gold, and grey. The room was beautiful and coincidentally the same color palette as my own master bedroom at Home. Which can only mean that I am a fabulous decorator of course! (Laughs ensue).

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
I loved our room!

 

A Good Night’s Sleep is Everything

 

There’s nothing that can wreck a perfect adventure quite like a bad mattress. Especially when you’re back and body is used to sleeping on a luxury foam mattress that leaves you refreshed and pain-free every morning.

 

I’m always wary about sleeping in hotel beds. Thankfully the Peabody Memphis really delivered and I had a solid night’s rest the entire time. 

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
The seating area gave us lots of space in the evenings.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
A huge TV and dresser.

 

The Common Areas are Spacious and Offer Many Ways to Relax

 

The only thing missing from the design, in my opinion, was a beautiful 6×9 rug either in the living room space or the bedroom space. And I say this only because of how beautiful the room was.

 

From a designer’s perspective, I’m surprised they didn’t add an area rug in the suites for added comfort and luxury. Still, the space is stunning and I thoroughly enjoyed coming back each afternoon and having a beautiful room to kick my feet up in.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
Tons of space!

 

The Bathroom Space

 

The bathroom space was equally as stunning with a sit-down vanity, marble tiling in the shower and floors, and a vintage pedestal sink. It had all the bathroom amenities that we needed including shower robes (which if you know my style, then you know I must have the robe)!

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
Beautiful bathroom.

 

The Peabody Hotel Memphis
Marble shower.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
Bathroom vanity.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
Walk-in closet.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
Desk.

 

Where to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Renovation
Elegant and vintage all in one.

 

We absolutely loved our room. Whether we were coming in midday to take a breather or settling in for the night, we had tons of space and were surrounded by elegance and luxury. We totally felt like Rock n Roll royalty.

 

In Closing

 

If you’re headed to Memphis to explore Rock n Roll history and walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest music legends of all time, then staying at the historic Peabody Hotel is an absolute must. The entire property exudes elegance and its historic qualities deliver a one-of-a-kind experience.

 

Plus, there is no other hotel on earth that has resident ducks who are treated like royalty. Check out the Peabody Hotel’s gallery and see even more!

 

Special thanks to the Peabody Hotel Memphis for having us as their guests during our parents’ Rock n Roll getaway. This partnership in no way shaped my opinions in this post. 

 

Author

Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

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